Creating A Family As A Gay Couple

With the legalization of gay marriage nation wide there are new opportunities for a gay couple to have the family they always desired. Most states have removed restrictions that had long prevented this from happening. Knowing what options are available is critical in making the decision on which route to take to build a dream family.

One of the most popular routes taken is taking in foster kids. These are children that are in dire need of a stable and loving home. While it is unlawful for social services to deny a gay couple simply because of their sexual orientation, it is still practiced in some parts of the country. The best step to take is to simply apply and follow all of the requirements of the local agency to see if you are given the opportunity to become a foster parent and make a difference in the life of a child. In many cases by providing a stable home the opportunity will arise in which adoption becomes a possibility.

The next most popular option is to adopt. With the implementation of The Marriage Amendment Act gay couples were finally afforded the right to adopt children jointly. While adoption can be expensive there are tax deductions available to make it more attainable for couples. The key is to be patient with the process as it can take as long as years to find a proper match.

With the advancement of fertility science there are a number of other means to create a family that actually has the DNA of one of the partners. For lesbian couples they can choose to be artificially inseminated with donor sperm and carry their own child. One woman could also carry their partner’s child if they choose. Gay couples can use a donor egg and a surrogate to carry their child. When using a surrogate it is typically necessary to choose a friend or family member that is willing to carry the child for them. These options can also be rather pricey but they remove the need to seek assistance from others in a large way.

Choosing to take control of creating a family reduces a number of negative situations that could arise. For example, when fostering a child there is always the risk that the biological parent could regain custody. This can be extremely difficult emotionally. Adoption can run the same risk as the biological parent can decide to keep their child. When considering building a family it is essential to keep every factor in mind so that it is as pleasant of an experience as possible.